The Student Association of George Brown College’s (SAGBC) 2021 Spring elections are on now. On the executive team, there are seven students campaigning for three positions including the director of communications and internal, director of education and equity, and director of student experience. 

The SAGBC funds the Dialog. 

Among the director of communications and internal candidates are Parmvir Brar and Urvish Patel, the current arts, design, and information technology representative at the SA, are vying for a position. Both candidates are planning to emphasize networking and equity. 

Urvish Patel 

Urvish Patel, a third-year computer programming and analysis student, is one of the two candidates running for the Director of Communications and Internal for the SAGBC. 

During his time as a representative of the arts, design, and information technology department with the SA, Patel says that he is always looking to help students through four core values: empathy, kindness, honesty, and hard work. 

“I advocate for students and I help them resolve their issues as well by organizing events, networking, and teaching them,” said Patel.

Patel was first interested in joining the Student Association as soon as he began his academic career at GBC. After landing in Toronto as an international student from India, Patel wanted to help the fellow students around him by hosting events and mentoring them. Eventually, he was given a chance when he landed a tutoring position for accessibility services.

“When I was in my first semester, I was always motivated to work for the student community,” said Patel. “When I got a job as a tutor, I was able to help more. And then someone told me that the Student Association had these kinds of elections where you can just go and run for the positions, and that I can do more things [in the Student Association].” 

Other than networking, Patel is also a strong believer of equity, including cultural diversity, women empowerment and LGBTQ+ populations. One of the projects that he says he will initiate is a comprehensive research case that analyzes the needs of LGBTQ+ students. 

“The research will be conducted with online forums and surveys,” said Patel. “What I currently was thinking is that each and every representative will go to the class for a quick announcement and contact the professor, and post the forum. After we get some responses, we will analyze the issues and we will work on the policies and solutions.” 

Patel’s other goals for the SA include promoting and educating students on college resources, focusing on more ‘real-world’ projects, and creating a collaborative work environment. Moreover, Patel says that his experience as the arts, design, and information technology representative will come in handy. 

“I know the policies and it will be easy for me to identify and research policies because I worked on the board,” said Patel. “So, it will be easy for me to identify the loopholes for better policies in SAGBC, which will benefit the SA and students as well.” 

Parmvir Brar 

Parmvir Brar is a third-year student in the Business Administration program at GBC. She says that taking care of the student’s needs is the most important aspect for an executive leader within the SAGBC. 

“I am your friend who will represent your voice and stand for your rights as a George Brown College student,” said Brar in her candidate statement. 

Brar also advocates for transparency and truth among the SA to the students. 

“There will be complete transparency to all students on updates on what the board is doing.” 

In order to create networking opportunities, Brar says that she will coordinate events with other political and industry figures. 

“I have strong connections with political and industry leaders outside of George Brown College through which I will create more network opportunities, create discussions and coordinate events and webinars in a way that will benefit and help students succeed,” said Brar in her candidate statement. 

Brar will also help students to have more choices in terms of academic and extracurricular opportunities as well by working with faculty and representatives of the SA. 

“I will work closely with faculty leaders and representatives of the board as well as club leaders to make sure you [students] get excellent and exceptional services.”

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The SAGBC’s elections run until April 9 at 5:00 p.m. ET. Students can cast their vote at sagbc.simplyvoting.com.

Click here to read the Dialog‘s coverage of the race for director of education & equity.

Click here to read the Dialog’s coverage of the race for director of student experience.